A seat at the table: inside efforts to boost diversity, Black representation in federal candidate nominations
Achieving a representative House of Commons requires diversity among the candidates nominated for election, and since 2019, new efforts are being made both within political parties and beyond to increase diversity, including Black representation, in federal politics. But new rules only go as far as a party has the will to take them, and Samara […]
With recent debate on Standing Orders, MP Lamoureux urges pursuit of modernization, but not all MPs are as keen
The use of written speeches, debate time, speaking lists, dress codes, the creation of a dual Chamber, and ways to make the House of Commons more family-friendly were all in focus during recent debate on Standing Orders and procedure—a debate longtime modernization advocate Liberal MP Kevin Lamoureux was happy to kick off on Feb. 1. […]
Liberals’ sparse House presence a ‘model’ for Canadians, says Whip Holland
MPs’ sparse attendance in the House of Commons, especially in the Liberal benches, since the start of the winter sitting is being done with an aim to set a good example for public health measures, say some MPs. However, critics say the government’s meagre showing of having at times a solitary MP in the House […]
MPs ‘reassured’ by rollout of new off-Hill security measures
As a victim of online stalking, NDP MP Charlie Angus is acutely aware of how threat and intimidation can impede Members of Parliament in their work, and he said he’s happy that new security measures are being put in place. “It actually undermines our ability to represent people democratically, that’s what I realized,” he said. […]
Guilbeault swats suggestions of ‘cozy’ relations between his department, Facebook Canada
Heritage Minister Steven Guilbeault dismissed suggestions that his departmental staff enjoy cozy relations with Facebook Canada over an email exchange regarding a job posting with the tech giant. Appearing over Zoom before the House Heritage Committee on Friday, Mr. Guilbeault (Laurier-Sainte-Marie, Que.) said he took issue with NDP MP Heather McPherson’s (Edmonton Strathcona, Alta.) assertions […]
NDP to focus on pandemic measures, amplifying message in winter sitting
The NDP has rearranged its critics for 2021 and is poised to tackle a wide portfolio of issues coming back into the House, aimed at helping Canadians get through the “eye of the storm” of the pandemic, while working to make more noise despite their fourth-party status, say caucus members. The six updated roles include […]
Parties ramping up candidate nominations across Canada as election threat looms
Speculation of a spring election is running rife, and federal parties are ramping up candidate nominations across the country, with at least 170 candidates nominated so far between the five major parties. “If parties were expecting the fixed election date [in 2023] to be respected I don’t think they would be ramping it [nominations] up […]
New press secretaries in place for ministers Bennett, Vandal
Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Carolyn Bennett and Northern Affairs Minister Dan Vandal are both starting the new year with new press secretaries on the job. Ms. Bennett hired Ani Dergalstanian to serve as press secretary and communications adviser in her office last month. Prior to joining the minister’s team, Ms. Dergalstanian was a communications and policy […]
‘She is very clear about why she is there’: rookie MP Gazan putting her ‘movement’ stamp on first year in House
NDP MP Leah Gazan’s presence in the House of Commons speaks to the lived experiences of not only Indigenous peoples, but also of life-long advocates for social justice and human rights, says her NDP House seatmate Matthew Green. And with a year of federal politics under her belt, the attention-grabbing rookie MP says that even […]
Is he among us? For the left, Jagmeet Singh is the imposter
CALGARY—On Nov. 27, two progressive darlings—Jagmeet Singh and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez—from neighbouring countries got on Twitch to play Among Us, a game of teamwork and betrayal where crew members on a spaceship attempt to identify an imposter trying to sabotage their return to civilization. In other words, another day in progressive politics. While AOC raised $200,000 […]
